The pair will take up their new positions in the new year.
‘We’ve not hired these guys for their contacts. We are not an old-school lobbying firm that recruits names just to rub shoulders with MPs. Mike and Simon have been hired because they can do the job,’ said Luther founding partner Charles Stewart-Smith.
Granatt is currently working out his notice as GICS director-general, a post he has held for seven years. He quit following the axing of his role as part of the recommendations of the Phillis review into Government PR (PRWeek, 5 September).
Buckby resigned as BiE campaign director last month, after it became clear the Government would not hold a referendum on Euro membership in this parliament (PRWeek, 17 October).
‘We specialise in issues and crisis management, areas Mike and Simon have great experience of. Both have a profound understanding of the workings of media, politics and government,’ added Stewart-Smith.
Granatt, who has also been the top communicator at the Home Office and
the Metropolitan Police, said: ‘I am hoping my remit will emphasise the things I have been doing for the past 25 years, but the interesting thing about becoming a partner at Luther is the varied work it will offer.’
